The SHIELD Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University

You can learn more about her project here: nsf.gov/awardsearch/sh…

Her primary project this year, entitled “Racial Socialization in Multiracial-Black Families: A Mixed-Methods Investigation,” will examine what youth with 1 Black parent and 1 white parent learn about race from their parents and how it shapes their wellbeing

Please meet Dr. McKenzie Stokes! Dr. Stokes is joining the S.H.I.E.L.D. Lab this fall as an NSF SBE Postdoctoral Fellow. Dr. Stokes examines how race-based promotive/protective processes & parent-child relationships impact the mental health of Black youth across the diaspora.

The SHIELD Lab's Director, @DrFantasyLozada, is doing some AMAZING THINGS! Please click on the link to learn about her amazing research and NSF CAREER award!

Everyone meet Summer! Summer Bryant is a vital agent of the SHIELD lab who aspires to recognize the risk and resilience of our black youth, certain that racial pride rises from socialization! She also loves experimenting with new cuisine, recipe share anyone? We love you Summer!

Hey Jenna! Jenna Lerch is a VCU grad and an essential SHIELD agent who wants to destroy barriers that exclude groups of people, in addition to instigating diverse and inclusive change on a systemic level. Ask her about critical race theory for a wonderful, intellectual convo.

Happy Friday All! Today's Weekly Quote: "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela✨

Ma'Khia Bryant was 16 years old and had her entire life ahead of her. For the second time in less than a week, we are collectively mourning a child killed by the police. We'll say it again — a system that kills children with impunity cannot be reformed.

Meet VCU senior & SHIELD agent Julia Thompson! As a therapist, she aspires to study emotions, interpersonal relationships, anxiety, & depression. She believes POSITIVE socialization helps one to "tackle many of life's challenges and struggles in a healthy manner!". We love Julia!

Are you tired of seeing movies that glorify black trauma? Wouldn't you prefer movies about black excellence and joy?Alternative streaming options for anyone who wants to watch something by a Black creator or starring Black people that isn’t about trauma. bookandfilmglobe.com/film/ten-black…

Introducing SHIELD agent Jada Gonzales! Jada is a VCU junior majoring in Biology. Her interests--emotion socialization of children, emotion expression and regulation! In her health profession, she wants to help youth better understand and express their emotions. We love you Jada!

Happy Friday All! Today's Weekly Quote: "Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by others doing it." -James Baldwin✨

VCU senior, and active SHIELD agent; Tre! Tre wants to study the biased treatment and school curriculum that black youth face. "It is important for children to understand their emotions, and have a way to deal with them when they face adversity" btw, check him out on twitch!

Black fathers share their wisdom on parenting. One factor within their wisdom..... a different conceptualization of “the talk.” To learn more, click this link from Black Parent Magazine! blackparentmagazine.com/post/10-things…

Introducing our first SHIELD Agent, we have Portia Chan! Portia has a passion for studying how we parent, and mentor youth; which is why she is passionate about developmental and educational psychology. We love you Portia, you are such a crucial member of our team @PortiaChan15

"For too long mental health and illness have been stigmatized in our society, but even more so in the African American community as a “weakness”, “curse”, “craziness” or “character flaw”. mhanational.org/blog/road-well…

Happy Friday All! Today’s Weekly Quote: “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” — Oprah Winfrey✨

In the SHIELD Lab, one topic/area of interest we are dedicated to is the role and the influence of racial socialization in the family. apa.org/pi/families/re…

In the world of game designing, Black designers make up less than 4% of those in the industry. This fact pushed one mother to form an empowering outlet of representation for her daughter and young black girls everywhere...a gaming app called FroBelles! blackparentmagazine.com/post/this-moth…